Silverstone Preview: Advantage Red Bull?

The first of three races within four weeks, Silverstone could prove crucial in setting the tone for the second half of the season - and determining whether a certain Milton Keynes juggernaut is gaining momentum once again...

After the European Grand Prix, there was a lot of talk about Red Bull's major update and the signs that it might be on the brink of an unprecedented spell of dominance in this most unpredictable of seasons. What happens at Silverstone this weekend will give a clear indication of whether or not that will be the case. You can guarantee that if either Sebastian Vettel or Mark Webber stand on the top step of the podium, post-race talk will be of a Milton Keynes juggernaut gaining momentum.

Silverstone is one of those circuits, like Barcelona, that heavily favours those with the most high-speed downforce. If Red Bull can claim a fourth successive Silverstone pole position, combined with its impressive pace in the slower corners at Valencia, it will confirm the worst fears of its rivals. Red Bull plans further car tweaks for this weekend, meaning that if the car's Valencia speed was representative, it could repeat the dominance that was thwarted only by an alternator failure on Sunday.